Navigating Femtech Frontiers: Insights from Tech4Eva’s Roadshow Boston

In the ever-evolving landscape of women's health and technology, the Tech4Eva Boston Roadshow 2023 emerged as a pivotal event, unraveling insights and perspectives that shape the future of Femtech. The agenda was power-packed, featuring a showcase of cutting-edge start-ups, a thought-provoking panel discussion on the consumerization of healthcare, and an illuminating fireside chat on investments in innovative women's health companies with one of our alumni start-up.

Empowering Women Through Consumer-Centric Healthcare
The heart of the roadshow beat vibrantly during the panel discussion on "The Consumerization of Healthcare and What It Means for Femtech." Led by a stellar lineup of speakers, including Liz Gazda, CEO of Embr Labs; Joshua Kraus, Healthcare Growth & Innovation Leader at Accenture; and Dominnique Karetsos, General Partner at Amboy Street Ventures, the discussion was moderated by Sapna Rao, Senior Manager of Consumer Health Strategy at Philips.

Sapna Rao kicked off the dialogue by delving into the shifting dynamics of healthcare, emphasizing the critical intersection of consumerization and Femtech. The panelists echoed a resounding sentiment: the empowerment of women through personalized, consumer-centric healthcare is no longer a distant vision but a tangible reality.

Liz Gazda underscored the role of technology in this paradigm shift, citing examples of innovative solutions that put healthcare decisions back in the hands of women. From wearable devices to smart applications, the Femtech space is witnessing a surge in tools that not only monitor health but also provide personalized insights, fostering a proactive approach to wellbeing.

Joshua Kraus gave his insights from a broader industry perspective. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between traditional healthcare systems and emerging Femtech players. As healthcare becomes increasingly democratized, bridging the gap between these realms ensures a holistic approach, where innovation complements existing infrastructure.

Joshua Kraus summarized the essence of the panel, stating:

"The consumerization of healthcare is not just a trend; it's a paradigm shift. The integration of technology and healthcare services is placing unprecedented control and choice in the hands of consumers, fundamentally altering the healthcare landscape."

Dominnique Karetsos brought the venture capital lens to the discussion, shedding light on the evolving investment landscape in Femtech. The panelists collectively envisioned a future where women are not just passive recipients of healthcare services but active participants in decision-making, enabled by tech-driven solutions tailored to their unique needs.

 Key Takeaways:

1. Technology as an Empowerment Tool: The integration of technology in Femtech is instrumental in giving women greater control over their health decisions.

2. Collaboration for Holistic Healthcare: Bridging traditional healthcare systems with Femtech innovations is crucial for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to women's health.

3. Investment in Femtech: The venture capital community recognizes the potential of Femtech, signaling a positive trend for the industry's growth.

Fireside Chat: Investments in Innovative Women's Health Companies

The roadshow further delved into the financial landscape of Femtech with a fireside chat on "Investments in Innovative Women's Health Companies." The spotlight was on two influential figures in this space: Stasia Ombreskey, Managing Director of RH Capital, and Siew-Veena Sahi, CEO& Co-Founder of Testmate Health (2021 Tech4Eva Alumni). 

Stasia Ombreskey began by emphasizing the critical role of strategic investment in propelling the Femtech sector forward. The fireside chat provided a behind-the-scenes look at the investment journey of Testmate Health, offering valuable insights for aspiring start-ups in the audience.

Siew-Veena Sahi shared Testmate Health's fundraising experience, navigating challenges and leveraging both equity rounds and non-dilutive funding. The conversation shed light on the resilience required in fundraising, especially during challenging economic climates. Siew-Veena's strategic approach to aligning company milestones with investor perspectives highlighted the importance of clear communication and data-driven roadmaps.

The duo emphasized the significance of networking and warm introductions in the fundraising process. Stasia Ombreskey detailed RH Capital's investment philosophy, shedding light on their role as not just financial backers, but strategic partners invested in the long-term success of their portfolio companies.‍

Siew-Veena Sahi highlighted the transformative role of being part of the Tech4Eva program, stating

"Tech4Eva has been instrumental in our journey, providing invaluable mentorship, access to a robust network, and the necessary resources to navigate the complexities of the femtech landscape."

Key Takeaways:

1. Strategic Investments: The fireside chat underscored the vital role of strategic investors in fostering the growth of women's health companies.

2. Resilience in Fundraising: Siew-Veena Sahi's fundraising journey during challenging economic times showcased the importance of resilience as a core fundraising strategy.

3. Networking and Warm Introductions: The value of networking and warm introductions in building meaningful investor relationships was a recurrent theme.

Charting the Course Ahead
As theTech4Eva Roadshow 2023 drew to a close, the echoes of empowerment, innovation, and strategic investment lingered. The Femtech frontier stands at the crossroads of transformative change, where technology, investment, and healthcare converge to empower women globally.

The roadshow not only showcased the potential of Femtech start-ups but also served as a beacon for collaboration and dialogue within the industry. The journey toward a future where women actively participate in their healthcare decisions, supported by innovative technologies and strategic investments, has gained momentum.

In the wake of the roadshow, the Femtech community is not just a witness but an active participant in shaping a future where women's health takes center stage –personalized, consumer-centric, and driven by a collective commitment to positive change.

Watch the entire roadshow: